You know what they say, ask and you shall receive. Al Iaquinta has gone on record several times saying that he was ready for a “top name” opponent. He got exactly what he asked for. On Friday night Iaquinta will take on Ross Pearson at UFC Fight Night 55. Pearson is a well known star on the rise who has been making some noise in the light weight division. This Friday it will be Iaquinta looking to make some noise of his own as he looks to defeat Pearson and rise in the division.

Iaquinta enters the fight coming off a big third round knock out over Rodrigo Damm. The fight was the best we’ve seen Iaquinta look to date, making it clear that he put in the extra work following an unexpected loss to Mitch Clarke. Iaquinta’s stand up was powerful and technical, and his take down defense was equally as impressive. Most importantly he controlled the entire fight, executing his game plan successfully.

Iaquinta will look to carry that same impressive stand up work into Friday’s fight against Pearson, a powerful striker in his own right. Pearson is coming off a knock out win of his own, most recently knocking out Gray Maynard back in August. Pearson, like Iaquinta was looking to respond to a loss of his own after losing a split decision to Diego Sanchez.

Both fighters look to keep the momentum going as they continue to rise in the light weight division. This is an interesting match up featuring two fighters who have shown impressive power in their striking. Where both fighters have a well rounded game it may be the younger Iaquinta who has the upper hand. “It’s not like I don’t like the guy, I just think my skills are better and I’m going to go out and prove it” Iaquinta told MMA Junkie. “I see the fight starting on the feet and ending on the feet.”

With that being said Iaquinta being the smart fighter he is will respect the skill set and power of Pearson who has recorded stoppages via strikes in three of his last victories. The match up is an important one for Iaquinta who will let his hard work shine against a tough opponent in Pearson. Sit tight Iaquinta Nation, Fight Night is only a few nights away.